Ananda Pagoda Festival is one of the biggest in Bagan. Though held mostly to worship and raise funds for upkeep of the Buddha, commerce flourishes among the tents set up around the Pagoda. Villagers in bullock carts add to the festive atmosphere.

The Nhtet Pyit Taung Pagoda Festival is a small festival in Nyaung Oo celebrated by villagers, marked by the setting up of stalls selling local products, and the preparation of HTAMANE, a sticky rice dish prepared with peanuts, ginger and onions to be shared by all. In prosperous years, traditional entertainers are invited to present stage shows including dances, opera and drama.

Water Festival is the run-up to Myanmar New Year. People splash water on each other to commemorate the passage of time, washing away past misdeeds, hoping for spiritual renewal and praying that the monsoon will bring bountiful harvests.

After the last day of the Water Festival on 16 April, on the following day 17 April Thingyan marks the start of the Myanmar New Year following the lunar calendar.

The Full Moon Day of Kason is marked by the water-pouring ceremony at the Maha-Bodhi tree, the holy Bodhi tree (Fiscus Religiosa) at the foot of which Gotama Buddha attained Buddhahood.

This pagoda, famous for its original wall paintings still intact after all the years, holds an annual celebration to which villagers flock from far and near. They also take the chance to pay homage to Buddha at the nearby Yoke Sone Kyaung Pagoda, renowned for its antique hand-carved walls.